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Ratings of African Vista's Service

Tanzania Safari Destinations

Top Tanzania Travel Destinations

Northern Circuit

Home to the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park are also found in this region.

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Southern Circuit

Features authentic safari tours in the less crowded parks including; Nyerere National Park (Selous), Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha National Park.

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Western Circuit

Home to chimpanzee families which are found in Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains. This region embraces the parks along Lake Tanganyika.

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Tanzania's nature is very diverse and promising unforgettable experiences...

Finding the Best Safari Routes in Tanzania

Tanzania is a true wilderness – over thirty percent of the country is protected as parks and reserves. It is blessed with the winning combination of both superb big game and stunning tropical beaches. Very few destinations in Africa can match the diversity of animals, cultures, and landscapes.

Tanzania is the land of superlatives – it has the deepest, the highest, the largest, and the oldest. It is the home of the three largest lakes in Africa, Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika (the second deepest lake in the world), and Lake Nyasa. It is the home of Kilimanjaro Mountain, the highest free-standing mountain on the planet, and the highest in Africa at 5895m. Dating back millions of years, Olduvai Gorge in Ngorongoro Conversation Area has yielded hundreds of fossils, stone tools, and archaeological discoveries that have led people to believe humans evolved in Africa.

Tanzania is the country in Africa where you can witness the Big Five and Wildebeest Migrations, experience hiking to the top of the highest mountain in Africa-Mount Kilimanjaro, and explore the natural beauty of world heritage sites- Serengeti, Selous, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and stunning beaches of Zanzibar. Equally remote western national parks – Gombe Stream and the Mahale Mountains are best known for chimpanzee life.

Highlights

Tanzania has so much to offer when it comes to African holidays! To make it easier to plan your tour, this country has been divided into regional circuits each with its unique features.

Northern Circuit

Undoubtedly, Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is the most celebrated safari area in Africa. The most popular areas include the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park, Mount Meru, and its neighboring “big brother”, the tallest, free-standing mountain in Africa, the majestic snow-capped Kilimanjaro.

 

Southern Circuit

Unlike the North of Tanzania, the Southern part of the country offers some beautiful off-the-beaten-track safari experiences. Of the 20 national parks in Tanzania, five are located in the south – Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha, Udzungwa, and Kutulo which form the Southern Circuit. Huge craters and volcanoes testify to the tectonic forces that have shaped the landscape over millions of years.

Western Circuit

The Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Park are both located on the western circuit and can only be reached by boat from Kigoma. This also applies to Rubondo National Park, a mysterious, uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Victoria. An archaic Katavi National Park is also located here.

Eastern Circuit

Tanzania’s eastern circuit includes Mkomazi and Sadaani National Park. The latter is the only park in which the beach meets the bush. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa with a beachfront on the Indian Ocean, and it possesses a beautiful tropical coastline. Mkomazi on the other hand is a vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the black rhino and African wild dog.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar and Pemba Islands just off Tanzania’s coast offer incredible beach destinations from where you can relax after your safari. Zanzibar is booming as a destination, with backpackers and luxury beach vacationers. As a result, there are many fantastic Boutique hotels to choose from. Whether for honeymoon, family vacation, or relaxation after the safari there are many activities for every traveler.     

Mafia

Mafia Island lies 80 miles (130 km) southeast of Dar-es-Salaam and opposite the mouth of the Rufiji River. Diving on Mafia Island is exceptional with the mighty whale sharks that are found from October to March every year.

Safari Gateways

There are several Safari gateways to take going to the National Parks in Tanzania, each one depends on the safari regions you take. Knowing each of these safari regions will also help to plan for the international flight as you will know about the Airport where you should land in Tanzania.

Northern Circuit

Main Entry Hub: Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport)

The main gateway to this circuit is the city of Arusha, which is served by Kilimanjaro International Airport – the most popular route comprising the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Kilimanjaro.

 

Southern Circuit

Main Entry Hub: Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport)

To get to the southern safari circuit, the main gateway is Dar es Salaam, a major city and commercial port in Tanzania that caters to numerous direct and indirect international flights as well as transfers to Zanzibar. This circuit comprises Nyerere National Park (Selous), Mikumi, Saadani, and Ruaha National Park. It is also possible to land in Zanzibar and take a domestic flight to northern and southern parks.

Western Circuit

Depending on your plan, the main gateways into the western safari circuit are Tanzania’s major international hubs: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.

Most attractions are only accessible by either charter planes, a boat ride, or a train. This circuit comprises Gombe Stream National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, and Katavi National Park.

Eastern Circuit

Tanzania’s eastern circuit includes Mkomazi and Sadaani National Park. The latter is the only park in which the beach meets the bush. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa with a beachfront on the Indian Ocean, and it possesses a beautiful tropical coastline. Mkomazi on the other hand is a vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the black rhino and African wild dog.

Read about the when to travel and take a look at our proposed itineraries.

POPULAR QUESTIONS

Which safari circuit is best in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s northern circuit is a famous safari destination receiving a lot of tourists than the other circuits. It constitutes the attractions of Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park, Oldupai Gorge, Mount Meru, and its big brother the snow-capped, the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Is Tanzania’s southern circuit worth visiting?

The southern circuit is a wonderful destination to visit with some of the most remarkable sights in Africa. It is one of the best regions for sightings of rare African wild dogs. Nyerere National Park formerly known as Selous is well worth a visit. Apart from game drives, there are additional activities to do like a boat and a walking safari.

What is the difference between the Tanzania’s North or South Safari?

The northern and southern circuits each provide unique and distinct experiences. Between these two destinations, the northern circuit offers more classic safari options that the southern circuit which is famed for more off-the-beaten-track experiences in a truly wild setting.

While the northern circuit is very famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration that happens every single year in Serengeti National Park the southern circuit does not. The northern circuit is also popular for the ‘Big Five’ animals that including the lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, and the African buffalo.

The southern parks have more advantages of offering more tourist activities than the northern circuit considering that the private reserves and game parks there are less restricted as it is in the north. 

How to get around on a Southern Circuit Safari?

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa National Park are accessible by road from Dar es Salaam. Alternatively, there are daily scheduled light aircraft flights from Dar es Salaam, which makes it very easy to arrange safaris of any duration in these parks and also to combine them with a beach holiday on either the mainland coast or the Island of Zanzibar.

How to get around on a Western Circuit Safari?

The west of Tanzania is more remote, both geographically and logistically – there are flights only twice a week from Arusha in the north. Parks here include Gombe, Mahale, and Katavi. Gombe and Mahale can also be reached from Kigoma by speedboat. Both parks can be accessible from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma by daily flights with Air Tanzania. Katavi is technically accessible by road, but it’s a long, rough ride and cannot be recommended to all but the hardiest of adventurers.

What is the cheapest way to reach Mafia from Selous?

The cheapest way to get to Mafia Island from Nyerere National Park formerly known as Selous Game Reserve is by ferry departing from Nyamisati Ferry Terminal in Ikwiriri, Rufiji. The adventurous transfer takes about 4 hours to reach Mafia.

LET’S PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TOGETHER!

What our guests are saying

HHH1983
HHH1983
2020-02-10
Toller Tourenanbieter zu fairen Preisen in Usa River Wir hatten einen sehr freundlichen, zuvorkommenden Guide für unseren Besuch im Arusha Nationalpark. Er war sich für keinen Umweg zu schade, damit wir den besten Blick auf die Tiere hatten. Als wir eine Kaffeepause auf eigene Faust einlegen wollten, hat er ohne zu zögern umgedreht und auf uns gewartet. Im Vergleich zu anderen Anbietern in Usa River günstig, für 3 Personen kostete der Safaritag inklusive Verpflegung nur 135 Dollar. Top, absolute Empfehlung!
terrycharlie64
terrycharlie64
2019-11-27
Arusha Safari Really good safari, with a lovely guide. Really well organized, even though I left it to the Last minute, they still managed to get me on the tour. Enjoyed every minute and we got to see some great wildlife! Germano was really helpful too. Highly recommend!
Natalia E
Natalia E
2019-11-23
Safari in Tanzania Me and my friend spent 4 wonderful days visiting different national parks of Tanzania.Our trip ,hotels ,safari guide were very well organised by Germano. Our driver and guide Peter was very friendly and he showed us a lots of different animals. Thanks to him we saw "Big Five"! The stuff of the hotels was very polite and smiling. I falled in love with this country ,nature and people... I do recommend 'African Vista' and Germano personaly :))
Oksana Gnatkovska
Oksana Gnatkovska
2019-11-21
4-days safari through 4 national parks: amazing trip! Отличная организация, согласование всех деталей с учётом наших предпочтений и бюджета. Наш водитель-гид Питер очень профессиональный и мы увидели, во многом благодаря ему, всю большую пятерку🤩 Вкусная еда, хорошая погода, океан впечатлений👍 Посмотрели Нгоронгоро (как в «парке юрского периода»😍😍😍), Арушу, озеро Маньяра и Тарангире (в порядке нашего собственного рейтинга привлекательности расставила их:)). Джермано- спасибо огромное! Видели у вас на сайте ещё много разных туров по другим регионам Танзании- обязательно в следующий раз опять с вами!
travelwithtanja
travelwithtanja
2019-11-21
Just wonderful :-) Germano organized two game drives for us – to Arusha National Park and to Lake Manyara. He’s super friendly and 100 percent reliable. From the first e-mail till the last day: Everything was perfect! Our driver, Rich, was the best guide ever: He’s a really safe driver, very friendly (such a great smile ☺), incredible nice to talk to and can tell you a lot about animals, landscape and culture. Not to forget: He spotted thousands of animals for us! Giraffes, zebras, elephants, monkeys, flamingos, buffalos, hippos – and even lions. We spent a great time with African Vista and can strongly recommend it! Germano, Rich – thank you very, very much for two wonderful days, we will never forget!!! Sandra and Tanja
Trail23212141256
Trail23212141256
2019-11-21
Close contact with giraffes I took a day-safari together with my 5-years old daughter to Arusha National Park. We booked it just a day before and thus short notice it was perfectly planned. We had a great vehicle with a roof that could open so we could stand and watch all the animals. The park offered close contact many animals. Zebras, giraffes, warthogs, flamingos, hippos and different monkeys was the favorite. We had a lovely lunch break by a lake, while listening to the hippos snoring in the lake. The driver shared a lot of knowledge about the animals, plants and the park. Al together it was a perfect day for both me and my daughter.
arnod273
arnod273
2019-10-15
Very helpful people, great safari We booked a 9 days camping safari via Germano (African Vista). As we did not book an itinerary upon our arrival, we needed to make a last minute booking in Tanzania. Germano was very helpful and spent hours planning our trip. We signed up for a safari to Arusha NP, Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti (north and central), ngorogoro crater and lake Manyara. Our guide, Richard, and cook, Hubert, were excellent. Very friendly, genuine people who made us feel comfortable and appreciated. Richard has tons of experience and had a lot of patience, rather than rushing from one place to another. This was a very good strategy as the best sightings were seen after waiting patiently for things to happen. Hubert’s cooking (with a special recognition for his delicious soup) was great, lots of variety between local and western food. Amazing how he could fix us pizza, stews, crispy beef, marinated chicken, soup, pasta, ... with limited the facilities that were available to him. Amongst others, we’ve seen the wildebeest migration in northern serengeti, hunting cheetahs, leopards, lions, hippos, tons of hoofed mamals, elephants, girafs, zebras, buffalos, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, wild fox and many more. In summary: we’ve had a great time with great company. After the safari, Germano arranged our next trip to Usambara and even gave us a follow up call to see how we were doing and whether the transition to other parts was smooth. Thank you Germano, Richard and Hubert for making this an unforgettable experience.
Carl S
Carl S
2019-09-26
Tansania Safari Arusha Nationalpark Great funny and informative guide, we made a Tour through Arusha Nationalpark and he explained everthing very well and interesting. The booking was easy and surprisingly cheaper than other tour agents.

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